I Remember...

I remember where I was when I first found out about the events on the day of September 11, 2001.  I was forever changed by that day.  It brought to me an awareness of the people who sacrifice their safety to help.  I never thought twice about the dangers that face police officers, firefighters, soldiers, and many others that serve our communities and country. 

It was mentioned in my MOMS Club that we should do something in honor of September 11th.  I mentioned that I had heard of moms baking cookies and other goodies to deliver to their local heroes.  Many were very enthusiastic about doing this and so today, I am proud to say that we blanketed our community in thanks and showed our appreciation with baked good and this poem.

There are heroes who walk among us
never looking for glory or praise
They don't seek recognition
for their thoughtful, caring ways.
Living lives of deep commitment
providing for those they hold dear
Steadfast with a quiet strength
through times of laughter and tears.
You are a person like that to us
the most selfless one by far.
So we would like to thank you
for being the HERO that you are.

I am very proud to be part of an organization that is willing to so openly show our appreciation to others.  It was something we individually took upon ourselves to show our community that we care and pass on the lesson to our children that we are a part of something much bigger than just ourselves.  

Maben helped me bake cookies yesterday to deliver to the a Texas National Guard Armory in our community.  The soldiers were pleasantly surprised at our gift and our thanks.  My husband helped me navigate the halls, since once upon a time he reported there.  Colton helped carry a package of cookies, which he did not want to give away.  Maben stayed hidden behind me and I said, "Thank you!"  

I want to say, "Thank you!" to everyone who serves their country and community.  You are appreciated.  For all those who have paid the ultimate price, you are not forgotten!  You hold a special place in my heart.

Spiced Mug Mat: I Did It!!!

For Christmas my mother-in-law gave me a really cool gift, spiced mug mats.  They are fantastic but a little "folksy" looking for my taste.  I also realized that I could make them myself.  You can check out the original post here: I Could Do That: Spiced Mug Mats.

Well, I have not only made them, but created a tutorial for you.  Don't they look fabulous?

First, I chose my fabric.  This is from the line Java by Deb Strain for Moda.  I cut up a bunch of squares 5x5 inches.

You will also need some fusible fleece and cut up a bunch of those 4.5x4.5 inches.

I also chose the potpourri that I was going to use inside the mug mat.  I chose a cinnamon spice.  I only needed one pack (since cinnamon is very strong I didn't use much).

I placed two of my fabric squares right side together and sewed up three sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

I then centered and placed the fusible fleece and both sides and ironed it.

I clipped the corners and flipped it inside out.  I also folded in the open end a 1/4 of an inch and pressed it.

I sewed around the edges at 1/8 of an inch, starting at one edge of the opening, going around and stopping at the other edge of the opening.  Open it up and put a couple pinches of your potpourri in, turn and sew your opening shut.

That's it!  You have Spiced Mug Mats.  I managed to make up 8 in about an hour.

Some of these are going to be sent off to some of my friends that responded to my Pay It Forward, Craft Style.

My cousin posted this on her Facebook page and I in turn did the same.

Pay it Forward in 2011: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must in turn post this and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. "The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent... to your 5 people sometime in 2011."

 I am not offering this up again.  Just to be clear...but maybe a giveaway soon, since it looks like I am getting some followers!  Welcome to you all, I hope you enjoy my blog.

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